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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
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http://www.archive.org/details/invasionofcostarOOunit 



66th Congress, 1 SENATE. f Document- 

1st Session. J * 1 No. 77. 



INVASION OF COSTA RICA. 



MESSAGE 

FROM THE 

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 

TRANSMITTING 

A REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE IN RESPONSE TO EST- 
QTJIRIES CONTAINED IN A RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE, AUGUST 
2, 1919, IN REGARD TO THE INVASION OF COSTA RICA BY NICA- 
RAGUAN ARMED FORCES AND THE REASON WHY COSTA RICA 
WAS NOT PERMITTED TO SIGN THE PEACE TREATY AT VER- 
SAILLES. 



August 21, 1919. — Read; referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations and ordered 

to be printed. 



To the Senate of the United States : 

In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 2d instant 
requesting that the President inform the Senate whether Nicaragua 
has been and is now permitted, with armed forces, to invade and to 
threaten with invasion the territory of Costa Rica, or has permitted 
armed bands to organize or rendezvous within her territory for such 
purposes; and for what reason Costa Rica, a belligerent with the 
Allies in the war just ended, was not permitted to sign the treaty of 
peace at Versailles, I transmit herewith a report of the Secretary of 
State, answering the inquiries contained in the resolution. 

WooDEOw Wilson. 

The White House, 

August 21, 1919. 



2 invasion of costa kica. 

Department of State, 

Washington, August 16, 1919. 

The President: In reply to the inquhies in the Senate resolution 
specified in his transmitting letter, concerning the relations between 
Nicaragua and Costa Kica, and the reason for which Costa Kica was 
not permitted to sign the treaty of peace of Versailles, the undersigned, 
the Secretary of State, has the honor to report as follows: 

The Government of the United States has consistently used its 
best efforts to maintain peace in Central America. Actuated by this 
motive, whenever information has reached it tending to indicate that 
any jjersons within the territory of Nicaragua were contemplating 
passing from that country to territory of the Kepublic of Costa Rica 
for the purpose of engaging in armed political movements, the Gov- 
ernment of the United States has made representations to the Gov- 
ernment of Nicaragua calling that Government's attention to the 
usages of international comity and international law. 

The spirit which animated the Government of the United States 
and the Government of Nicaragua in becoming signatories of the 
treaty of Washington, and which was set forth in that treaty, was 
also invoked in this relation. 

On November 4, 1918, the Department of State instructed the 
American legation in Nicaragua, in view of reports of revolutionary 
activities in that country against Costa Rica, to recall to the attention 
of the President of Nicaragua a statement of the attitude of the United 
States in this matter, which was cabled to the legation by the depart- 
ment on June 4, 1918, for communication to the President of Nica- 
ragua, with the object of obtaining the exercise of his good offices in 
j)reventing any such activities. 

Tiie same instruction of November 4, 1918, also directed the lega- 
tion to communicate to the President of Nicaragua the contents of a 
cablegram sent to the American Legation in Honduras on October 
26, 1918, for communication to the President of that country, in 
which a statement was made to the effect that, while the Government 
of the United States Avas aware of the unfortunate conditions existing 
in Costa Rica, it could not give its approval to any use of force against 
Costa Rica or the persons exercising de facto authority there. 

On January 27, 1919, the legation to Nicaragua was instructed, in 
view of reports of military activity in Costa Rica which, it was thought, 
m.ight be due to expectation of an attack, to bring the above informa- 
tion again to the attention of tlie President of Nicaragua. On April 
29, 1919, the legation was instructed to express this Government's 
hopes that Nicaragua would be guided in this matter by considera- 
tions of international comity. On May 23, 1919, it was stated, in 
an instruction to the legation, that the Department of State desired 
to urge upon the President of Nicaragua that Nicaragua not only 
remain strictly neutral, should a confhct arise between Mr. Tinoco, 
of Costa Rica, and his opponents, but also fulfill its duty carefully 
by preventing the organization of expeditions in Nicaragua. 

Paraphrases of the telegraphic instructions mentioned, and a copy 
of a letter of the Acting Secretary of State to the senior Senator from 
New Hampshire, on this subject, are inclosed. 

o; •^ •• 

SEP 21 1919 



INVASION OF COSTA EICA. 3 

The President and Government of Nicaragua have responded in a 
gratifying manner to the requests for their cooperation, and the 
efficacy of the steps taken to preserve peace in Central America is 
indicated by the fact that the Government of the United States is 
not advised of any serious coUision with defensive forces by any 
armed forces seeking to enter Costa Rica from Nicaragua or Nica- 
ragua from Costa Rica. 

The second inquiry contained in the resolution of the Senate asks 
why "Costa Rica, a belligerent with the Allies in the war just ended, 
was not permitted to sign the treaty of peace at Versailles." 

In view of the fact that the Government of the United States has 
not recognized the existence in the Republic of Costa Rica of a de 
jure or even a legitimately de facto government, but holds that only 
the people of Costa Rica can as a moral force set up in that country 
a government constitutional in character and duly sanctioned by law, 
it follows naturally that the Government of the United States could 
not recognize as legally existent any manifestation of such a gov- 
ernment. 

To declare war is one of the highest acts of sovereignty. The 
Government of Costa Rica being for the Government of the United 
States legally nonexistent, it follows that so far as the Government 
of the United States is concerned, no state of war could exist between 
Costa Rica and the Imperial German Government. Obviously, 
there could be no question so far as this Government was concerned 
as to signing with Costa Rica the treaty of peace of Versailles. 

Respectfully submitted. 

Robert Lansing. 

The President, 

The White House. 



January 28, 1919. 
Dear Mr. Senator: I am in receipt of your letter of January 18, 
in which you ask that the American Legations in Nicaragua and 
Honduras be advised that further armed movements are being 
formulated in the above-mentioned countries against the Tinoco 
government in Costa Rica and further asking me to take ste}:s to 
obtain that such movements be suppressed. 

in reply I wish to advise you that the department some time ago 
instructed the legations at Tegucigalpa and Managua to call to the 
attention of the Governments of Honduras and Nicaragua the fact 
that this Government could not approve of the armed activities 
which appeared to be contemplated in each of these countries. Only 
last week the position which the department had taken in this 
connection was reaffirmed to both Governments. 
I am my dear Senator Moses, 
Sincerely yours, 

Frank L. Polk. 
The Hon. George H. Moses, 

United States Senate. 



4 INVASION OF COSTA KICA. 

[Paraphrase of a cablegram to the American Legation at Managua, No v. 4, 1918, 2 p. m.] 

The department is advised that the President of Nicarao;ua has 
made a proposal to the President of Honduras relating to the sub- 
ject of revolutionary activities against Costa Hica. Our legation at 
Tegucigalpa informs the department that it has sent this informa- 
tion to you. Regarding this proposal the department desires you 
to recall at once to the attention of the Nicaraguan President the 
attitude assumed by this Government concerning Costa Hica, which 
was set forth in department's cable message of June 4, 5 p. m., 
second paragraph. You are also instructed to communicate to the 
President of Nicaragua the statements sent in the cable mstruction 
to the legation of the United States at Tegucigalpa for communica- 
tion to the President of Honduras, which instructions are as follows : 

Reference is made to the legation's cable message of October 26, 11 a. m. 

You will advise the President of Honduras at once that the position of the United 
States has been clearly set forth respecting the question of the recognition of Tinoco's 
government, and that while Lhe Government of the United States is aware of existing 
conditions in Costa Rica, which are unfortunate, it can not lend its approval to any 
use of force as would appear to be now in view, for the reason that the Government 
of the United States holds that only the people of Costa Rica can as a moral force 
set up in that country a government constitutional in character and duly authorized 
by law. 

You will also inform the President of Honduras that this Government appreciates 
Ms declaration that, in the matter above referred to, he will be absolutely guided by 
the advice communicated by the Government of the United States. 



[Paraphrase of a cablegram to the American Legation at Tegucigalpa, Nov. 4, 1918, 2 p. m.] 

Reference is made to the legation's cable message of October 
26, 11 a. m. 

You will advise the President of Honduras at once that the position 
of the United ^States has been clearly set forth respecting the question 
of the recognition of Tinoco's government, and that while the Gov- 
ernment of the United States is aware of existing conditions in 
Costa Rica, which are unfortunate, it can not lend its approval to 
any use of force as would appear to be now in view, for the reason 
that the Government of the United States holds that only the people 
of Costa Rica can as a moral force set up m that country a govern- 
ment constitutional in character and duly authorized by law. 

You will also inform the President of Honduras that this Gov- 
ernment appreciates his declarations that, in the matter above 
referred to, he will be absolutely guided by the advice communicated 
by the Government of the United States. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation, Tegucigalpa, 
Honduras, dated Jan. 5, 1919, 1 p. m.] 

Reference is made to department's November 4, 2 p, m. 

Reports from Costa Rica state that there is much military activity, 
and probably, fearing attack from Nicaragua and Honduras, troops 
are being sent toward the Pacific. You will again bring to the 
attention of President Bertrand the information contained in the 
telegram of November 4, 1919, from the Department of State, 



nsTVASioisr of costa eica. 5 

[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation, Managua, Nicaragua 

dated Jan. 27, 1919, 6 p. m.] 

Reference is made to department's November 4, 2 p. m. 

Reports from Costa Rica state that there is mucJi military activity 
and probably fearing attack from Nicaragua and Honduras troops 
are being sent toward the Pacific. You will again bring to the atten- 
tion of President Chamorro the information contained in the telegram 
of November 4, 1919, from the Department of State. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation at Managua, Nicaragua, 

dated Apr. 29, 1919.] 

Reference is made to legation's telegram of April 23, 11 a. m. 

You may indicate to President Chamorro the department's hopes 
that he will be guided in his actions by considerations of international 
comity. Department desires report on any new developments in the 
situation. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation at Managua, Nicaragua 

dated May 3, 1919.] 

Reference is made to department's telegram of April 29, 7 p. m., 
and legation's telegram of April 30, 4 p. m. 

Watch closely the situation and keep department informed by 
cable of developments, as it does not wish to be criticized for failure 
to urge upon President Chamorro not only to remain strictly neutral, 
should there be any struggle between Tinoco and his opponents, but 
to carefully fulfill his duty by preventing expeditions being organized 
on the territory of Nicaragua. 



January 28, 1919. 
Dear Mr. Senator: I am in receipt of your letter of January 18, 
in which you ask that the American Legations in Nicaragua and 
Honduras be advised that further armed movements are being 
formulated in the above-mentioned countries against the Tinoco 
government in Costa Rica and further asking me to take steps to 
obtain that such movements be suppressed. 

In reply I wish to advise you that the department some time ago 
instructed the legations at Tegucigalpa and Managua to call to the 
attention of the Governments of Honduras and Nicaragua the fact 
that this Government could not approve of the armed activities 
which appeared to be contemplated in each of these countries. Only 
last week the position which the department had taken in this con- 
nection was reaffirmed to both Governments. 
I am, my dear Senator Moses, 
Sincerely, yours, 

Frank L. Polk. 
The Hon. George H. Moses, 

United States Senate. 



^ INVASION" OF COSTA RICA. 

[Paraphrase of a cablegram to the American Legation at Managua, Nov. 4, 1918, 2 p. m.] 

The department is advised that the President of Nicaragua has 
made a proposal to the President of Honduras relating to the sub- 
ject of revolutionary activities against Costa Rica. Our legation at 
Tegucigalpa informs the department that it has sent this informa- 
tion to you. Regarding this proposal the department desires you to 
recall at once to "the attention of the Nicaraguan President the atti- 
tude assumed by this Government concerning Costa Rica, which 
was set forth in department's cable message of June 4, 5 p. m., 
second paragraph. You are also instructed to communicate to the 
President of Nicaragua the statements sent in the cable instruction 
to the legation of the United States at Tegucigalpa for communica- 
tion to the President of Honduras, which instructions are as follows : 

Reference is made to the legation's cable message of October 26, 11 a. m. 

You will advise the President of Honduras at once that the position of the United 
States has been clearly set forth respecting the question of the recognition of Tinoco's 
government and that while the Government of the United States is aware of existing 
conditions in Costa Rica which are unfortunate, it can not lend its approval to any 
use of force as would appear to be now in view, for the reason that the Government of 
the United States holds that only the people of Costa Rica can as a moral force set up 
in that country a government constitutional in character and duly authorized by law. 

You will also inform the President of Honduras that this Government appreciates, 
his declaration that in the matter above referred to he will be absolutely guided by 
the advice communicated by the Government of the United States. 



[Paraphrase of a cablegram to the American Legation at Tegucigalpa, Nov. 4, 1918, 2 p. m.] 

Reference is made to the legation's cable message of October 26,- 
11 a. m. 

You will advise the President of Honduras at once that the position 
of the United States has been clearly set forth respecting the question 
of the recognition of Tinoco's government, and that while the Govern- 
ment of the United States is aware of existing conditions in Costa 
Rica, which are unfortmiate, it can not lend its approval to any use 
of force as would appear to be now in view, for the reason that the 
Government of the United States holds that only the people of Costa 
Rica can as a moral force set up in that country a government consti- 
tutional in character and duly authorized by law. 

You will also mform the President of Honduras that this Govern- 
ment appreciates his declarations that, in the matter above referred 
to, he will be absolutely guided by the advice communicated by the 
Government of the United States. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 

dated Jan. 5, 1919, 1 p. m.] 

Reference is made to department's November 4, 2 p. m. 

Reports from Costa Rica state that there is much military activity, 
and probably fearing attack from Nicaragua and Honduras troops are 
being sent toward the Pacific. You will again bring to the attention 
of President Bertrand the information contained in the telegram of 
November 4, 1919, from the Department of State, 



INVASION OF COSTA EICA. 7 

[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation, Managua, Nicaragua 

dated Jan. 27, 1919, 6 p. m.] 

Reference is made to department's November 4, 2 p. m. 

Reports from Costa Rica state that there is much military activity 
and probably fearing attack from Nicaragua and Honduras troops 
are being sent toward the Pacific. You will again bring to the 
attention of President Chamorro the information contained in the 
telegram of November 4, 1919, from the Department of State. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation at Managua, Nicaragua, 

dated Apr. 29, 1919.] 

Reference is made to legation's telegram of April 23, 11 a. m. 

You may indicate to President Chamorro the department's hopes 
that he will be guided in his actions by considerations of international 
comity. Department desires report on any new developments in 
the situation. 



[Paraphrase of a telegram from the Department of State to the American Legation at Managua, Nicaragua, 

dated May 3, 1919.] 

Reference is made to department's telegram of April 29, 7 p. m., 
and legation's telegram of April 30, 4 p. m. 

Watch closely the situation and keep department informed by 
cable of developments, as it does not wish to be criticized for failure 
to urge upon President Chamorro not only to remain strictly neutral, 
should there be any struggle between Tinoco and his opponents, but 
to carefully fulfill his duty by preventing expeditions being organized 
on the territory of Nicaragua. 

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